What do you think?
Rate this book
Body in the Woods Large Print Version
A peaceful village. A buried secret. A gripping new crime novel for 2020.
"Beyond brilliant as usual from the inimitable Ms Brookes. Highly highly recommended." Anne, Goodreads.
When private investigator Carlos Jacobi arrives in the Peak District to spend Christmas with his sister, he doesn't anticipate his ex-police dog unearthing a body in the local woods. Why would someone murder a seemingly harmless old man?
The dead man's wife hires Carlos to investigate the murder after the police had fobbed her off when she reported him missing. Carlos soon discovers fractured relationships, family secrets and villagers with something to hide.
To top it all, the man in charge of the investigation is someone Carlos had hoped never to meet again. Memories of their time in Afghanistan still haunt him. Bad blood between the two men threatens to cloud the investigation as neither can bury the past. DCI Terry Masters is livid when Carlos is hired, and takes it personally. He orders his sergeant to make sure the private investigator is kept out of the loop or face consequences.
Meanwhile, Carlos unravels lies and motives among the seemingly innocuous village population. When his dog, Lady makes another grisly discovery, the suspense heightens.
Carlos teams up with an old friend to get to the bottom of this frustrating case.
Fans of Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, Damien Boyd, Frances Evesham and David Blake will love this new series.
"Beyond brilliant as usual from the inimitable Ms Brookes. Highly highly recommended." Anne, Goodreads.
When private investigator Carlos Jacobi arrives in the Peak District to spend Christmas with his sister, he doesn't anticipate his ex-police dog unearthing a body in the local woods. Why would someone murder a seemingly harmless old man?
The dead man's wife hires Carlos to investigate the murder after the police had fobbed her off when she reported him missing. Carlos soon discovers fractured relationships, family secrets and villagers with something to hide.
To top it all, the man in charge of the investigation is someone Carlos had hoped never to meet again. Memories of their time in Afghanistan still haunt him. Bad blood between the two men threatens to cloud the investigation as neither can bury the past. DCI Terry Masters is livid when Carlos is hired, and takes it personally. He orders his sergeant to make sure the private investigator is kept out of the loop or face consequences.
Meanwhile, Carlos unravels lies and motives among the seemingly innocuous village population. When his dog, Lady makes another grisly discovery, the suspense heightens.
Carlos teams up with an old friend to get to the bottom of this frustrating case.
Fans of Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, LJ Ross, Damien Boyd, Frances Evesham and David Blake will love this new series.
625 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2020
194 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Brookes
111 books360 followersDawn Brookes is an award winning cosy mystery and crime writer who also writes memoirs and children's books.
She has an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction.
Dawn writes most days and publishes regularly, to keep up to date visit her website.
Rachel Prince Mysteries:
#1 A Cruise to Murder set during a Mediterranean cruise
#2 Deadly Cruise set during a transatlantic crossing to New York.
#3 Killer Cruise set during a Baltic cruise.
#4 Dying to Cruise set during a cruise around Australia and New Zealand.
#5 A Christmas Cruise Murder set on a Canary Island cruise.
#6 Murderous Cruise Habit set on a Caribbean cruise.
#7 Honeymoon Cruise Murder set on a Mediterranean cruise.
#8 A Murder Mystery Cruise set on a cruise to the Norwegian Ffords.
#9 Hazardous Cruise set on a Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise.
#10 Captain's Dinner Cruise Murder
#11 Corporate Cruise Murder set in India.
#12 Treacherous Cruise Flirtation set in Hawaii.
#13 Toxic Cruise Cocktail set on a SE Asia cruise.
#14 Cruise into Darkness
The Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mysteries
#Prequel Novella Death of a Blogger
#1 Murder at the Opera House
#2 Murder in the Highlands
#3 Murder at the Christmas Market
#4 Murder at a Wimbledon Mansion
#5 Murder in a Care Home
#6 Murder at the Regatta
#7 Murder on a Bus Tour
Carlos Jacobi PI
#1 Body in the Woods Award winning novel.
#2 The Bradgate Park Murders
#3 The Museum Murders
Nursing Memoirs
#1 Hurry up Nurse: memoirs of nurse training in the 1970s
#2 Hurry up Nurse 2: London calling
#3 Hurry up Nurse 3: More adventures in the life of a student nurse
Books are available in paperback, hardback, large print, kindle ebook, and audiobook.
Dawn's website can be found at: https://www.dawnbrookespublishing.com
She has an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction.
Dawn writes most days and publishes regularly, to keep up to date visit her website.
Rachel Prince Mysteries:
#1 A Cruise to Murder set during a Mediterranean cruise
#2 Deadly Cruise set during a transatlantic crossing to New York.
#3 Killer Cruise set during a Baltic cruise.
#4 Dying to Cruise set during a cruise around Australia and New Zealand.
#5 A Christmas Cruise Murder set on a Canary Island cruise.
#6 Murderous Cruise Habit set on a Caribbean cruise.
#7 Honeymoon Cruise Murder set on a Mediterranean cruise.
#8 A Murder Mystery Cruise set on a cruise to the Norwegian Ffords.
#9 Hazardous Cruise set on a Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise.
#10 Captain's Dinner Cruise Murder
#11 Corporate Cruise Murder set in India.
#12 Treacherous Cruise Flirtation set in Hawaii.
#13 Toxic Cruise Cocktail set on a SE Asia cruise.
#14 Cruise into Darkness
The Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mysteries
#Prequel Novella Death of a Blogger
#1 Murder at the Opera House
#2 Murder in the Highlands
#3 Murder at the Christmas Market
#4 Murder at a Wimbledon Mansion
#5 Murder in a Care Home
#6 Murder at the Regatta
#7 Murder on a Bus Tour
Carlos Jacobi PI
#1 Body in the Woods Award winning novel.
#2 The Bradgate Park Murders
#3 The Museum Murders
Nursing Memoirs
#1 Hurry up Nurse: memoirs of nurse training in the 1970s
#2 Hurry up Nurse 2: London calling
#3 Hurry up Nurse 3: More adventures in the life of a student nurse
Books are available in paperback, hardback, large print, kindle ebook, and audiobook.
Dawn grew up in Leicester, England and trained as a nurse. She later moved to London to undertake further training in the East End. Dawn worked in the NHS in England for the best part of thirty-nine years and during that time gained a wide range of experience as well as academic and professional qualifications. She also holds an MA in Creative Writing.
Dawn's website can be found at: https://www.dawnbrookespublishing.com
Dawn has written a number of children's books including:
Suki Seal and the Plastic Ring
Gerry the One-Eared Cat
Danny the Caterpillar
Ava & Oliver's Bonfire Night Adventure
Ava & Oliver's Christmas Nativity Adventure
Jesus Feeds a Big Crowd
Jesus Heals a Man on a Stretcher
Dawn founded a literature festival in her locality which aims to engage readers and authors with all things literature.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 1, 2021
Body in the Woods is simply literary joy in an audio book. I get ridiculously excited when a character in a book, in this case Carlos, alludes to a character in another book, (Rachel Prince from Ms Brookes awesome cruise series). I'm all overcome knowing that we have a mutual friend. It is a perfect example of how superb the characters are as I feel like I know them in real life. When the book's main player has a life which includes friends and family I am delighted. I'm so fed up of characters who are lone wolves, living in splendid isolation.
The dialogue in this book was brilliant and I felt the warmth between Carlos and Sophie in their interactions. The story was totally absorbing and kept me guessing from beginning to end. Tim Bruce narrates the tale with finesse and precision and adds another layer of pleasure to an already thoroughly enjoyable book.
And no review of Body in the Woods would be complete without a reference to Lady. You will be entranced by the story and fall in love with the characters. The most perfect gift.
The dialogue in this book was brilliant and I felt the warmth between Carlos and Sophie in their interactions. The story was totally absorbing and kept me guessing from beginning to end. Tim Bruce narrates the tale with finesse and precision and adds another layer of pleasure to an already thoroughly enjoyable book.
And no review of Body in the Woods would be complete without a reference to Lady. You will be entranced by the story and fall in love with the characters. The most perfect gift.
November 14, 2020
This is a story that grabs you from the very first page. I loved the characters, especially Carlos and the more you read the more you get to like him. The book is very cleverly written, fast paced with many “red herrings” and a satisfying conclusion. A brilliant start to a new series, I look forward to reading the next one. Thanks to TBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this superb book.
November 9, 2020
Body in the Woods (Carlos Jacobi Book 1)
By Dawn Brookes
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Body in the Woods (Carlos Jacobi Book 1) by Dawn Brookes. It is a story that includes mystery, secrets, and danger. I loved reading about the character of PI Carlos Jacobi. He is a man that is good at his job and once on a case is determined to find the truth. He finds himself looking into the case of a man who was unearthed by Carlos’s ex-police dog. The investigation is further clouded by another grisly discovery. Will Carlos find out who has committed murder? Read this book to find out. This is a story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It has twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The author does a wonderful job of developing the characters. Besides Carlos, I also enjoyed reading about his sister as well as an old friend of his who helps him in the case. While reading this book I found myself feeling like I was right there with Carlos and the other characters. The author does an amazing job of creating a story that comes alive. I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the final page. Don’t miss out on a suspenseful, exciting, and entertaining book that you will not soon forget. I highly recommend reading it.
By Dawn Brookes
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Body in the Woods (Carlos Jacobi Book 1) by Dawn Brookes. It is a story that includes mystery, secrets, and danger. I loved reading about the character of PI Carlos Jacobi. He is a man that is good at his job and once on a case is determined to find the truth. He finds himself looking into the case of a man who was unearthed by Carlos’s ex-police dog. The investigation is further clouded by another grisly discovery. Will Carlos find out who has committed murder? Read this book to find out. This is a story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It has twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The author does a wonderful job of developing the characters. Besides Carlos, I also enjoyed reading about his sister as well as an old friend of his who helps him in the case. While reading this book I found myself feeling like I was right there with Carlos and the other characters. The author does an amazing job of creating a story that comes alive. I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the final page. Don’t miss out on a suspenseful, exciting, and entertaining book that you will not soon forget. I highly recommend reading it.
November 8, 2021
A great start to a new series. Carlos Jacobi visits his sister at Christmas but it is not long before his investigative skills are in demand. An intriguing whodunnit. I have really enjoyed getting to know Carlos and his ex police dog Lady and look forward to the next instalment.
August 29, 2021
Decent writing and a plot that held my interest right up to the end. The end ruined everything that came before. It made no sense. Nothing explained how the killer committed the murder, buried the body, disposed of the weapon and any evidence. Nor did I accept the rationale by PI Jacobi that there would be no subsequent investigation. Very disappointing. Will not read further in the series.
December 25, 2020
A body in the woods by Dawn Brookes.
Carlos jacobi book 1.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked Carlos. I had no clue who the murderer was. 4*.
Carlos jacobi book 1.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked Carlos. I had no clue who the murderer was. 4*.
December 31, 2020
I didn't realize this is part of a series, but fortunately it was the first installment, so I didn't miss anything that would have happened in previous installments. I found the mystery somewhat enteraining, but the story was drawn out too long. Too much time was spent on inconsequential things and it truly took too long to develop. A lot of unnecessary and sometimes repetitive scenes.
Interesting story, but I have no desire to continue the series.
Interesting story, but I have no desire to continue the series.
October 20, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I have enjoyed the authors other series featuring Rachel Prince (who is actually the girlfriend of the main character in this book) and was pleased to see she had created a spin off series about Carlos. Although this is written in a more serious style and contains less of the humour of the Prince mysteries it is still a tight, cleverly crafted plot that grips the listener from the start. The mystery was interesting and takes many twists as the story unfolds at a fast pace. The killer was a surprise and I didn't see the ending coming at all. The characters are just great and really likeable, from the bright and bubbly sister to the squeamish brother in-law and who can forget the adorable dog. I even liked the rivalry and one upmanship between the detective and Carlos. Just an all round enjoyable book and a great start to a new series.
With his girlfriend working over Christmas Carlos decides to spend it with his sister and new husband. Apon arrival he learns of his sister elderly neighbour who has gone missing leaving his equally as elderly wife lost and waiting for his return. Walking his ex police cadaver dog in the near by woods Carlos discovers a body and fears the worst. Then the detective in charge of the investigation knocks on the door to take a statement and Carlos knows he can't sit on the side lines and watch the detective muck up the case. The two of them have history, history that could cause problems for everybody involved. The only bright spark is his second in charge is a friend that might just turn out to be helpful in getting to the bottom of the murder. The dead man wasn't well liked, even his own daughter wouldn't talk to him and his wife was scared of him. Then things get really complicated when another body is found. Can Carlos solve a cold case and in the process find the answers to catch a killer?
I !liked the narrator. He gave each character there own unique and interesting voice. Carlos had a hint of an accent that sound just right for him after having listened to him in the Prince series which was read by a female.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
With his girlfriend working over Christmas Carlos decides to spend it with his sister and new husband. Apon arrival he learns of his sister elderly neighbour who has gone missing leaving his equally as elderly wife lost and waiting for his return. Walking his ex police cadaver dog in the near by woods Carlos discovers a body and fears the worst. Then the detective in charge of the investigation knocks on the door to take a statement and Carlos knows he can't sit on the side lines and watch the detective muck up the case. The two of them have history, history that could cause problems for everybody involved. The only bright spark is his second in charge is a friend that might just turn out to be helpful in getting to the bottom of the murder. The dead man wasn't well liked, even his own daughter wouldn't talk to him and his wife was scared of him. Then things get really complicated when another body is found. Can Carlos solve a cold case and in the process find the answers to catch a killer?
I !liked the narrator. He gave each character there own unique and interesting voice. Carlos had a hint of an accent that sound just right for him after having listened to him in the Prince series which was read by a female.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 6, 2021
Carlos Jacobi is a fun private detective to follow around in this British murder mystery. He’s visiting his sister Sophie and her husband (Brian?) for the holidays. It’s time to walk the dog, Lady, and there’s some lovely woods nearby. You can guess who gets the most excited over finding a dead body – Lady the ex-police dog, that’s who! Brian, who is pretty squeamish, easily looses his lunch. Carlos is immediately intrigued because he’s a snoopy investigator.
That beginning caught my attention right away and the story held my attention. Carlos doesn’t get along with the official police, DCI Masters, who is leading the investigation. There’s a lot of hints that they have history, but that’s never filled out. In fact, at times I felt that perhaps this was book 2 in the series and if I had started with book 1, I would understand their dynamic better. But, no, this is indeed book 1 in the series. So their troubled relationship is still mostly a mystery.
While DCI Masters bumbles around, Carlos chats up the widow and the adult daughter (Caroline). He also confides in his friend Fiona (who is also on the police force). I really liked Fiona because she’s so comfortable and confident in her Rubenesque body. I also like how she’s willing to risk her professional career to help Carlos.
The story gets a new twist when yet another body turns up but this one is decades long past it’s freshness date. At this point in the story, the suspects got really narrow and while the tale tried to keep the red herrings and suspense going, I had guessed the whodunit. Still, I was surprised with what Carlos decided to do with that info, and I applauded him for it. I also applaud Fiona for trusting Carlos’s judgement. All together, it was a solid start to a British murder mystery series. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Tim Bruce was a good choice for this book. He had a great voice for Carlos, who has a mild Italian accent. I also liked his female voices and he had a variety of voices and accents, keeping all the characters unique. The pacing was good and there were tech issues for this recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
That beginning caught my attention right away and the story held my attention. Carlos doesn’t get along with the official police, DCI Masters, who is leading the investigation. There’s a lot of hints that they have history, but that’s never filled out. In fact, at times I felt that perhaps this was book 2 in the series and if I had started with book 1, I would understand their dynamic better. But, no, this is indeed book 1 in the series. So their troubled relationship is still mostly a mystery.
While DCI Masters bumbles around, Carlos chats up the widow and the adult daughter (Caroline). He also confides in his friend Fiona (who is also on the police force). I really liked Fiona because she’s so comfortable and confident in her Rubenesque body. I also like how she’s willing to risk her professional career to help Carlos.
The story gets a new twist when yet another body turns up but this one is decades long past it’s freshness date. At this point in the story, the suspects got really narrow and while the tale tried to keep the red herrings and suspense going, I had guessed the whodunit. Still, I was surprised with what Carlos decided to do with that info, and I applauded him for it. I also applaud Fiona for trusting Carlos’s judgement. All together, it was a solid start to a British murder mystery series. 4/5 stars.
The Narration: Tim Bruce was a good choice for this book. He had a great voice for Carlos, who has a mild Italian accent. I also liked his female voices and he had a variety of voices and accents, keeping all the characters unique. The pacing was good and there were tech issues for this recording. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book. My opinions are 100% my own.
December 2, 2020
Body in the Woods (Carlos Jacobi Book 1) by Dawn Brookes
I am a fan of Dawn Brookes and so was looking forward to this first book in her new series focusing on private investigator Carlos Jacobi and I was not disappointed. I was already familiar with the main character as Carlos appears as Rachel’s husband in Brookes “The Rachel Prince Mystery Series”, although it’s not necessary to have read those novels to enjoy this one. Set in the Peak District, Carlos arrives to spend Christmas with his sister when his ex-police dog, Lady unearths a body in the local woods and Carlos wonders why anyone would murder a seemingly harmless old man. The dead man’s wife feels as though the police have fobbed her off after reporting him missing and so asks Carlos to investigate. However, Carlos and DCI Terry Masters have bad blood between them from their days in Afghanistan and so the DCI keeps Carlos out of the loop as he does not want him investigating, which threatens to cloud the investigation. Luckily, Carlos and DS Fiona Cook are old friends and so she ensures Carlos is up to date. Whilst he’s investigating he soon finds out that there are family secrets, fractured relationships, lies, motives and villagers with something to hide within the seemingly innocuous village. Lady, then makes another grisly discovery and Carlos joins forces with his old friend to crack this frustrating case.
I was hooked from page one with this gripping murder mystery with has plenty of drama and suspense. The fast paced storyline flowed well and it had an exciting plot which made this a real page turner. The wonderfully descriptive narrative made the story, setting and characters all come alive and I felt fully immersed in the story. Carlos was a great main character who really bought the whole story together and I enjoyed following him on his investigation. All the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very last page. ‘Body in the Woods’ is an enjoyable and engaging read and a great start to a new series. I look forward to future novels in the ‘Carlos Jacobi’ series.
I am a fan of Dawn Brookes and so was looking forward to this first book in her new series focusing on private investigator Carlos Jacobi and I was not disappointed. I was already familiar with the main character as Carlos appears as Rachel’s husband in Brookes “The Rachel Prince Mystery Series”, although it’s not necessary to have read those novels to enjoy this one. Set in the Peak District, Carlos arrives to spend Christmas with his sister when his ex-police dog, Lady unearths a body in the local woods and Carlos wonders why anyone would murder a seemingly harmless old man. The dead man’s wife feels as though the police have fobbed her off after reporting him missing and so asks Carlos to investigate. However, Carlos and DCI Terry Masters have bad blood between them from their days in Afghanistan and so the DCI keeps Carlos out of the loop as he does not want him investigating, which threatens to cloud the investigation. Luckily, Carlos and DS Fiona Cook are old friends and so she ensures Carlos is up to date. Whilst he’s investigating he soon finds out that there are family secrets, fractured relationships, lies, motives and villagers with something to hide within the seemingly innocuous village. Lady, then makes another grisly discovery and Carlos joins forces with his old friend to crack this frustrating case.
I was hooked from page one with this gripping murder mystery with has plenty of drama and suspense. The fast paced storyline flowed well and it had an exciting plot which made this a real page turner. The wonderfully descriptive narrative made the story, setting and characters all come alive and I felt fully immersed in the story. Carlos was a great main character who really bought the whole story together and I enjoyed following him on his investigation. All the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very last page. ‘Body in the Woods’ is an enjoyable and engaging read and a great start to a new series. I look forward to future novels in the ‘Carlos Jacobi’ series.
November 7, 2021
Never read or listened to Dawn Brookes before so I'm glad I took the plunge, this story is certainly believable, has lovely characters human well most and a wonderful dog called Lady an ex-police cadaver dog. Christmas has come round again for Carlos Jacobi and as his girlfriend is working over the Xmas period so Carlos decides to up and take Lady to his sister's new house in the Peak District. While taking Lady for a good long walk in the woods the dog finds a body and Carlos being a licenced P.I calls it in and on relaying the bad news to his sister she asks if it's the neighbour's husband that went missing. When the police arrive much to Carlos dismay it happens to be a DCI Masters an old enemy they literally have been in the wars together and he is not a nice person and will fit the evidence to match any scenario. Masters Sargeant just happens to be one of Carlos's old friends and her along with Carlos does not think too much to the DCI and decides she will go against Masters wishes and keep Carlos in the loop, and also Carlos has been retained by Meg the next-door neighbour to find the culprit who killed Harold, who again he, was not a nice person. it makes you wonder if it' is worth investigating as to who killed Harold as Carlos has problems with the villagers as not everybody is truthful so he has a job to try and fit the pieces together unlike Masters who fits the pieces he wants to fit to get a result. A very good listen well worth the time to listen and hope there will be more of Carlos Jacobi and of course Lady in the future.
December 1, 2020
This is the first book by Dawn, where Carlos investigates a murder. Timewise it is set after the Rachel Prince book 2 - Deadly Cruise & Killer Cruise which is the 3rd cruise murders book. If you have read book 1 you will have met Carlos before.
This murder takes place leading up to Christmas, Carlos has gone to Derbyshire to stay with his sister for the festive season taking with him Lady - who is the real heroine - Lady is his dog and if you want to see a photo of her, there is one on Dawns Facebook page, as of 1 Dec 2020, it , is not far to scrool down to see her. Back to the book, Carlos takes Lady for a walk in the woods near his sisters, not long arriving in Derbyshire. Lady had run on ahead and began to bark. She had found the body ! So the investigation begins. We meet neighbours and residents of the village. A few people enter the frame as the murderer. Plenty of twists & turns. Just when you think - thats the murderer, think again. Another brilliant tale and highly recomended.
I am now looking forward to Dawns next 2 books. Rachel Prince is back on board, this time a river cruise. Book 2 with Carlos. The title 'The Bradgate Park Murders' Bradgate Park, is in Leicestershire near to where I live.
I had a ARC copy for an honest review which is freely given
This murder takes place leading up to Christmas, Carlos has gone to Derbyshire to stay with his sister for the festive season taking with him Lady - who is the real heroine - Lady is his dog and if you want to see a photo of her, there is one on Dawns Facebook page, as of 1 Dec 2020, it , is not far to scrool down to see her. Back to the book, Carlos takes Lady for a walk in the woods near his sisters, not long arriving in Derbyshire. Lady had run on ahead and began to bark. She had found the body ! So the investigation begins. We meet neighbours and residents of the village. A few people enter the frame as the murderer. Plenty of twists & turns. Just when you think - thats the murderer, think again. Another brilliant tale and highly recomended.
I am now looking forward to Dawns next 2 books. Rachel Prince is back on board, this time a river cruise. Book 2 with Carlos. The title 'The Bradgate Park Murders' Bradgate Park, is in Leicestershire near to where I live.
I had a ARC copy for an honest review which is freely given
October 24, 2021
I'm a sucker for a British mystery, and this one didn't disappoint. And bonus, it has a four-legged charmer named Lady.
PI Carlos Jacobi's holiday visit to his sister's home turned out to be anything but low key and relaxing. I liked how he and his furry companion Lady teamed up with DCI Fiona Cook to crack the case of who killed his sister's elderly neighbor Harold.
To put it simply, Harold was not a likeable guy. His own daughter avoided coming home for visits which meant Harold and his wife had never met their grandchildren. What had he done to inspire that? Who else had this rigid and unlikeable codger pissed off enough to end up a body in the woods?
It takes 7 hrs and 32 mins to discover the answers to those questions.
Best elements:
Interesting cast of characters
Great plot development
Awesome British narrator
Lady the cadaver detective
Final thoughts:
I'm hooked! This private investigator series is a welcome addition to my mystery reading, something I've been more into reading than romance since the 2019 pandemic rocked the status quo. Mystery was my first reading love, and it feels good to be enjoying it again now more than ever.
I look forward to the next case for PI Carlos Jacobi and Lady. And hopefully, narrator Tim Bruce will be free to do book 2.
PI Carlos Jacobi's holiday visit to his sister's home turned out to be anything but low key and relaxing. I liked how he and his furry companion Lady teamed up with DCI Fiona Cook to crack the case of who killed his sister's elderly neighbor Harold.
To put it simply, Harold was not a likeable guy. His own daughter avoided coming home for visits which meant Harold and his wife had never met their grandchildren. What had he done to inspire that? Who else had this rigid and unlikeable codger pissed off enough to end up a body in the woods?
It takes 7 hrs and 32 mins to discover the answers to those questions.
Best elements:
Interesting cast of characters
Great plot development
Awesome British narrator
Lady the cadaver detective
Final thoughts:
I'm hooked! This private investigator series is a welcome addition to my mystery reading, something I've been more into reading than romance since the 2019 pandemic rocked the status quo. Mystery was my first reading love, and it feels good to be enjoying it again now more than ever.
I look forward to the next case for PI Carlos Jacobi and Lady. And hopefully, narrator Tim Bruce will be free to do book 2.
October 29, 2021
Having read and enjoyed the cruise series by Dawn Brookes, I was keen to read this, the first in a new series, by the same author.
I really enjoyed the fact that the main character was a P.I. I also liked the mention of characters from the other series.
The writing is very good , well- paced and interesting and I was engaged from the beginning. The story is set in an area of Derbyshire that I know really well, so that added to my enjoyment.
I would class the genre as cosy crime as there is no real gore or hard edged descriptions of murders. The characters are well- observed and likeable, especially the failed cadaver dog!
I listened to the story as an audiobook and the narration was very good. Clear and easy to listen to.
My only disappointment was that there were a few loose ends to be cleared up, like what led to the murder and how the how the perpetrator buried the body and these things were not explained. Apart from these niggles, a very good read and I look forward to reading more in the series.
I really enjoyed the fact that the main character was a P.I. I also liked the mention of characters from the other series.
The writing is very good , well- paced and interesting and I was engaged from the beginning. The story is set in an area of Derbyshire that I know really well, so that added to my enjoyment.
I would class the genre as cosy crime as there is no real gore or hard edged descriptions of murders. The characters are well- observed and likeable, especially the failed cadaver dog!
I listened to the story as an audiobook and the narration was very good. Clear and easy to listen to.
My only disappointment was that there were a few loose ends to be cleared up, like what led to the murder and how the how the perpetrator buried the body and these things were not explained. Apart from these niggles, a very good read and I look forward to reading more in the series.
December 3, 2020
This was a very good beginning to a new series. Carlos is a great character with lots of heart. He is a PI with a troubling past that he is trying to deal with. He goes to visit his sister over the Christmas holidays while finishing up a case he is working on. As soon as he gets to his sister's village though he is informed that the next door neighbor is missing. That night, Carlos and Lady, his dog, along with his brother-in-law go for a midnight walk and discover a body. Is it the neighbor? Regardless, the family wants Carlos to investigate and he is off to the races. Another body turns up and the mystery increases. Great characters, great mysteries with lots of red herrings and you have a great book. Can't wait to read more about Carlos!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Happy Christmas, Carlos."
Carlos was visiting his sister for Christmas, accompanied by his devoted dog, Lady. Walking her in the nearby woods, she uncovered the body of a man, possibly that of the neighbour who went missing a few days before. And, despite police hostility, Carlos couldn't help but get involed.
An interesting story, a who-dun-it? with a feeling of plausibility although the hostility between two main protagonists did seem exaggerated There is a reasonable attempt at characteriseation and set in a small town with limited suspects, this is an easy read. Some humour, too.
Narrated by Tim Bruce who read with clarity and good modulation as well as individual voicings, his page was slightly too slow for this reader, and this was remedied by increasing the playback speed to 1.2. Overall, a good performance
An enjoyable murder mystery.
"Happy Christmas, Carlos."
Carlos was visiting his sister for Christmas, accompanied by his devoted dog, Lady. Walking her in the nearby woods, she uncovered the body of a man, possibly that of the neighbour who went missing a few days before. And, despite police hostility, Carlos couldn't help but get involed.
An interesting story, a who-dun-it? with a feeling of plausibility although the hostility between two main protagonists did seem exaggerated There is a reasonable attempt at characteriseation and set in a small town with limited suspects, this is an easy read. Some humour, too.
Narrated by Tim Bruce who read with clarity and good modulation as well as individual voicings, his page was slightly too slow for this reader, and this was remedied by increasing the playback speed to 1.2. Overall, a good performance
An enjoyable murder mystery.
November 27, 2021
Brilliant whodunnit!
I really enjoyed listening to this book. The characters are well developed and well rounded and the story moves at a great pace. It is one of those books where you sit in the car on your driveway for a few minutes extra, because you've just got to know what is going to happen next.
The narrator does a reasonable job except for a few place name pronunciation errors, but that won't bother 99% of the people who listen to the book so it didn't stop me giving it 5 stars.
The character of Carlos is fabulous and the fact that he has a very intelligent dog ex-Police called Lady is just perfect.I will definitely read more in this series when they are available. I'm hoping that his nemesis appears in the next one too as I found their sparring relationship very entertaining.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. The characters are well developed and well rounded and the story moves at a great pace. It is one of those books where you sit in the car on your driveway for a few minutes extra, because you've just got to know what is going to happen next.
The narrator does a reasonable job except for a few place name pronunciation errors, but that won't bother 99% of the people who listen to the book so it didn't stop me giving it 5 stars.
The character of Carlos is fabulous and the fact that he has a very intelligent dog ex-Police called Lady is just perfect.I will definitely read more in this series when they are available. I'm hoping that his nemesis appears in the next one too as I found their sparring relationship very entertaining.
November 4, 2021
Dawn Brooks never disappoints, known for detailed and circular whodunnits, this author has written another winner. With new characters, you love to hate and characters you just already love from the Rachel Prince series, you start out ready for a good listen. The narrator draws you in from the first chapter with his melodious style. He had me from Carlos’s chuckle. Tim Bruce is a new favorite! Other reviewers have said that they knew who the murderer was from the get-go, but it was not that obvious and there was more than one crime in this story, several more in fact! So don’t let those reviews deter you from this experience! And that is what this book was… an Audio experience. I certainly hope that Dawn Brooks and Tim Bruce team up again.
November 4, 2021
Totally engaging read
Dawn Brooks never disappoints, known for detailed and circular whodunnits, this author has written another winner. With new characters, you love to hate and characters you just already love from the Rachel Prince series, you start out ready for a good listen. The narrator draws you in from the first chapter with his melodious style. He had me from Carlos’s chuckle. Tim Bruce is a new favorite! Other reviewers have said that they knew who the murderer was from the get-go, but it was not that obvious and there was more than one crime in this story, several more in fact! So don’t let those reviews deter you from this experience! And that is what this book was… an Audio experience. I certainly hope that Dawn Brooks and Tim Bruce team up again.
Dawn Brooks never disappoints, known for detailed and circular whodunnits, this author has written another winner. With new characters, you love to hate and characters you just already love from the Rachel Prince series, you start out ready for a good listen. The narrator draws you in from the first chapter with his melodious style. He had me from Carlos’s chuckle. Tim Bruce is a new favorite! Other reviewers have said that they knew who the murderer was from the get-go, but it was not that obvious and there was more than one crime in this story, several more in fact! So don’t let those reviews deter you from this experience! And that is what this book was… an Audio experience. I certainly hope that Dawn Brooks and Tim Bruce team up again.
November 15, 2020
The first in a new Series about PI Carlos Jacobi. Well written and well paced. The author has a writing style that is easy to read. If you are looking for a gruesome bloody style then this is not it. Not quite a cosy mystery but nothing in the book to concern the more squeamish reader.
Briefly, Jacobi goes to spend Christmas with his sister and her husband in a quiet little village in the Peak District. He is hired by their next door neighbour to find her missing husband. It soon become clear that he is/was an unpleasant man who dominated his wife. Has he run away or is there something more sinister...
I enjoyed this book and would certainly read future books in the series.
Briefly, Jacobi goes to spend Christmas with his sister and her husband in a quiet little village in the Peak District. He is hired by their next door neighbour to find her missing husband. It soon become clear that he is/was an unpleasant man who dominated his wife. Has he run away or is there something more sinister...
I enjoyed this book and would certainly read future books in the series.
December 1, 2020
With The Body in the Woods, Dawn has created a cast of very believable characters: I liked Carlos immediately, I felt Fiona injected a bit of fun and Lady is a lovely and welcome addition. Dawn also manages to build a marvellous sense of atmosphere, the events that happen in this book happen so effortlessly, so flawlessly, you literally are turning the pages one after the other. The hairs on the back of my neck were on end during more than one paragraph, and that ending - WOW!
A well-deserved 5 stars from me, this book is gripping; I simply couldn’t put it down and I am keen to see where Carlos will go next.
A well-deserved 5 stars from me, this book is gripping; I simply couldn’t put it down and I am keen to see where Carlos will go next.
December 31, 2020
Introducing UK Private Investigator Carlos Jacobi
An interestingly different take on the murder mystery protagonist, a private investigator with a Springer Spaniel called Lady which has special skills and a personality of her own.
'Body in the Woods' is an easy read with well drawn characters and relationships, and not too many that I couldn't keep track of them.
I would have liked some explanation of the past history between Carlos Jacobi and DCI Masters as there were repeated references to this in the story, but this will doubtless be revealed later in the series.
Overall a good start to the series with a well-constructed plot and well worth a read.
An interestingly different take on the murder mystery protagonist, a private investigator with a Springer Spaniel called Lady which has special skills and a personality of her own.
'Body in the Woods' is an easy read with well drawn characters and relationships, and not too many that I couldn't keep track of them.
I would have liked some explanation of the past history between Carlos Jacobi and DCI Masters as there were repeated references to this in the story, but this will doubtless be revealed later in the series.
Overall a good start to the series with a well-constructed plot and well worth a read.
November 9, 2020
Private Investigator Carlos Jacobi with Lady his dog, Sophie and her husband Gary are delightful characters brought to life for us to enjoy. Having found a body in the woods on a visit to Sophie just before Christmas the plot draws on the lives and secrets of this small village and you become immersed in their lives.
I could not put this one down. I loved the characters and found this a fast paced book with lots of twists. Can’t wait to see what Carlos and his family do next and what other case they get involved in!
I could not put this one down. I loved the characters and found this a fast paced book with lots of twists. Can’t wait to see what Carlos and his family do next and what other case they get involved in!
December 8, 2020
A peaceful village. A buried secret. A gripping new crime novel for 2020.
Wow! Thrills and suspense fill the pages and keeps you in the grips of the story line. You find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for the next twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. It's well written and you can't stop wondering what will happen next. Mystery and intrigue keep it so interesting you can't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow! Thrills and suspense fill the pages and keeps you in the grips of the story line. You find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat waiting for the next twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. It's well written and you can't stop wondering what will happen next. Mystery and intrigue keep it so interesting you can't put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2021
Well-constructed plot, with likeable main characters, and a smooth, pleasing writing style. The opening chapter sets the scene succinctly and engagingly, and got me intrigued immediately. First book in the series. Carlos Jacobi is the private eye, and is believable and easy to identify with, although we don't see much of his girlfriend, Rachel (who is actually a police officer), in this book. And then there's Carlos's dog, Lady... An interesting and well-described set-up, and a gripping mystery.
October 28, 2021
I just had to keep listening as the story was captivating and intriguing - my dog got lots of long walks in the space of two days. I can't wait for the next one in the series. I was drawn into the characters and I really wanted to know what happened and then it all made sense and it was just perfect.
The author has given the two lead characters so much scope for development.
The narration really suited the story and location.
I was given a free copy by the Book club audible listeners but the review is entirely my own.
The author has given the two lead characters so much scope for development.
The narration really suited the story and location.
I was given a free copy by the Book club audible listeners but the review is entirely my own.
November 23, 2020
My first book by Dawn but certainly not my last!
This new series has so much potential and I cannot wait to see how Dawn develops the characters, within the first book she has fleshed out Carlos and his sister and given them personalities and quirks that make them instantly relatable to the reader
A well written novel, fast paced with enough red herrings to make you constantly second guess yourself!
A winner of a read
This new series has so much potential and I cannot wait to see how Dawn develops the characters, within the first book she has fleshed out Carlos and his sister and given them personalities and quirks that make them instantly relatable to the reader
A well written novel, fast paced with enough red herrings to make you constantly second guess yourself!
A winner of a read
November 24, 2020
Gritty and intense! Complex and compelling! An edgy mystery full pulse-pounding suspense, damning secrets and one shocking surprise after another! The fast pace of the of the twisted, wildly-captivating plot kept me swiping the pages feverishly long past my bedtime.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
December 1, 2020
I've been a fan of Dawn Brookes since reading her Rachel Prince series and this book was no exception. Carlos is Rachel's fiancé so it is interesting to have her be a sort of minor character in the background.
The book grabs you right from the start and the story moves along quickly. There were lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing right to the end. It was a great first in the series and I definitely look forward to reading more about Carlos!
The book grabs you right from the start and the story moves along quickly. There were lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing right to the end. It was a great first in the series and I definitely look forward to reading more about Carlos!
December 10, 2020
A Body in the Woods is a good suspenseful thriller. I’m not familiar with the author’s other series that this loosely ties into, but I don’t feel like I’ve missed anything. With twists and turns long the way, PI Jacobi works to solve the case of a body uncovered by his dog. Roadblocks from the police make his job that much harder. This was a real page turner. Can’t wait to see where this series goes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews